Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reveals he will issue a fine to Jack Grealish following videos of what appeared to be a boozy night out.
A video emerged of Grealish, Kyle Walker and Riyad Mahrez outside a Manchester city centre establishment in the late hours of Saturday night.
It comes only hours after the trio had featured in City’s 4-1 triumph over Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round.
Mahrez netted twice during the win, including a second-half penalty, which Grealish himself had won.
According to those nearby, Grealish appears intoxicated. Onlookers pass remarks about his appearance, which others did later on social media.
Carried away by a friend, the England international looked to have been denied entry to a bar.
Commenting on the video, the City boss was quick to voice mock anger:
“I am so upset because they didn’t invite me,” joked Guardiola.
“Next time they can invite me and do the dinner properly,” Guardiola added.
Insisting that the nine-second clip didn’t show the true story of the evening, Guardiola defended his players:
“The video didn’t show exactly what happened,” claimed the 51-year-old.
“Dinner together sober, that he enjoyed with his mates” is the version of events the City manager explained to reporters.
But Guardiola admitted a fine was incoming: “They will be fined because they didn’t invite me.”
Jack Grealish night out worry for Guardiola and City
This isn’t the first controversial incident involving Grealish.
Issued a nine-month driving ban in December 2020, Grealish arrived at the Etihad Stadium with a party-boy reputation hanging over his head.
Dropped for City’s clash against Newcastle United in December, Grealish enjoyed previous nights out with teammates.
Also left on the bench for the clash, Phil Foden had been out clubbing with Grealish just days before.
A charismatic player on and off the pitch, his introduction to the dressing room has undoubtedly added personality to the City ranks.
Shared across social media, a heart-warming video of Grealish meeting a young City fan went viral before the Fulham match.
But there remain questions over his performances in a blue shirt.
With only two goals in 16 Premier League appearances for the Blues so far, the former Aston Villa man has not yet found his feet in Manchester.
Although Guardiola continues to show faith in the player, incidents like this could damage Grealish’s relationship with the City manager.
Turning 27 in September, Grealish will no doubt be keen to forge out a long and successful career at the Etihad Stadium. However, his behaviour off the pitch could impact how much silverware he lifts during his time at City.
